'Adam Peaty is an inspiration to other pupils' said his former principal at Painsley Catholic College

‘HE is an inspiration to many’ the former principal of swimming legend Adam Peaty has said as he hopes others will follow in his footsteps of realising their dreams.

Stephen Bell, principal of Painsley Catholic College, in Cheadle, congratulated his former pupil after his much reported success while competing at the Commonwealth Games.

The 19-year-old, of Byrds Lane, Uttoxeter, has done the town proud after bringing home two gold medals and one silver following the competition, which was held in Glasgow last month.

Mr Bell told the Advertiser that he has already congratulated the swimmer personally after remembering all the hard work he put into the sport alongside concentrating on his studies.

He said: “We are immensely proud of Adam and his achievements at the Commonwealth Games.

“I remember it well how his family took him to swimming lessons very early in the morning before school and how much dedication Adam gave to the sport.

“He is an inspiration and a role model for young people as they will recognise that with hard work and commitment that dreams and goals can be reached.

“He was a wonderful student here at Painsley and we sincerely hope that in the future he will reach his goals over the years and will be able to visit us and show the students all of his medals.

“I have written personally to Adam to congratulate him and wish him every success in the future.

“I am sure the future will bring him many exciting challenges.”

Mr Peaty and his family have also thanked everyone who have sent their good wishes to the swimmer through cards, gifts and flowers following his return from the Commonwealth Games.

Plans are also now under way for a civic reception for Mr Peaty when he returns from the European Championships, which are being held in Berlin.

The champion will receive an official civic reception at Uttoxeter Town Hall with a provisional date of September 27, after councillors sitting on Uttoxeter Town Council gave the idea the go-ahead.

The town councillors also made suggestions for how the town could honour the athlete, through opening Uttoxeter Leisure Centre when work is complete and the setting up of a fund in his name for young sportsmen and women in town.

Hugh Montgomery said that there were many ways the town could be brought together to help celebrate the achievement.

He told a meeting of the council: “I think personally we should ask Adam to open the leisure centre when it is finished rather than naming it after him.

“Secondly I think we should set up a fund for young sportsmen for next year.

“Adam Peaty’s mother actually said the one barrier they had to overcome was securing funding and they had to apply to the Stanley Matthews fund for Adam so I think it would be great to give other people the opportunity.”

Andrew Riley said: "People all over the town want to do something for him.

"We want to do something as we need to make the most of having a gold medallist in the town and as an inspiration to other young people who want to dedicate their life to sport like Adam."

The council had originally wanted to hold an open bus ride through the town so residents could line the streets to congratulate him, with a party afterwards at the town hall.

However, the modest swimmer was said to have not been too keen on the idea and has thrown himself straight back into training.

Uttoxeter MP Andrew Griffiths is also hoping to mark the teenager's success by naming Uttoxeter Leisure Centre after him as an inspiration to get others into sport.

The double gold and silver medalist is currently in training for the European Championships held in Berlin from August 18 to 26.